This position is located in the Public Relations for Voice of America (VOA), designated as a public affairs specialist the incumbent serves as outreach and engagement manager of one of the networks and entities within USAGM. The incumbent develops and executes plans for external engagement, introducing external media outlets and stakeholders such as think tanks, academia and NGOs to agency programming, special projects, news coverage and VOA thought leaders.
Summary
This position is located in the Public Relations for Voice of America (VOA), designated as a public affairs specialist the incumbent serves as outreach and engagement manager of one of the networks and entities within USAGM. The incumbent develops and executes plans for external engagement, introducing external media outlets and stakeholders such as think tanks, academia and NGOs to agency programming, special projects, news coverage and VOA thought leaders.
This announcement is open to all current Federal Competitive Service, Career and Career-Conditional employees. Applicants who have non-competitive eligibility, such as, Schedule A disability, Peace Corps or VISTA, reinstatement eligibles, etc. AND those eligible under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) or Interchange Agreements with other Merit Systems may also apply.
As a Public Affairs Specialist, you will be responsible for duties to include, but are not limited to:
1. Leads Voice of America (VOA) strategic outreach and external engagement program:
Initiates, develops and implements a wide range of strategic communications and outreach plans designed to reach internal and external audiences, media outlets and organizations conveying information about Voice of America (VOA) leadership, journalism and journalists, programs and special projects. Advise management of interaction with key officials in the public and private sectors.
Interacts and collaborates daily with VOA division and language service leadership and journalists to identify relevant information on VOA's coverage both in the U.S. and overseas to explore and expand opportunities for external engagement.
Identifies and develops information on key external media outlets, organizations, leaders, analysts, and organizations with special interests in issues and topics covered by VOA divisions and language services.
Develops and implements outreach and communications plans, programs and materials to raise awareness and visibility of VOA leadership, journalism and special projects with demonstrated impact.
Leads plans and roll out of targeted media pitches and outreach efforts, including recruiting and encouraging participation by executive, division and language service offices, directing and developing related content and collateral, and managing and conducting any evaluation efforts.
Leads efforts to maintain and enhance the content and reach of the VOA speakers' bureau, known as "VOA Experts," in order to ensure that appropriate VOA subject matter experts and leaders are available for external engagements, media interviews and opportunities.
Initiates, plans, and implements programs, collaborating with USAGM entities when appropriate, highlighting VOA news coverage, subject matter expertise and thought leaders, by exploring and securing external speaking and moderating opportunities at conferences, workshops, roundtables and other events.
Oversees and updates various calendars and spreadsheets designed to track outside contacts and engagement.
2. Performs additional public relations duties as duty officer in coordination with or in the absence of other specialists:
Develops targeted information materials for internal and external stakeholders to communicate programming information and developments;
Maintains effective working relationships with external news media as well as other external stakeholders and interested parties;
Responds to written and oral inquiries and requests from external news media, stakeholders and the public; engages with other VOA offices in organizing and facilitating internal and external events;
Works with agency technical and visual design specialists and the VOA PR webmaster/social media manager to create engaging and compelling content for VOA's public-facing website, multimedia and social media accounts.
Participates in development, coordination and implementation of VOA Public Relations communications policies, its programs and mission.
When serving as PR duty officer, approves outside appearance and interview requests of VOA staff members in collaboration with the ethics staff of the USAGM Office of General Counsel and the VOA News Standards and Best Practices team.
Candidates MUST meet all qualification requirements by closing date.
Applicants must complete online questionnaire.
This is a public trust position. If selected, this position requires the completion of the SF-86.
Suitability Determination: If selected, you may be subject to a background investigation to establish your suitability for federal employment. The background investigation may include, among other aspects, a review of your credit and legal history.
This position is covered by a union agreement. Bargaining Unit Information: BUS: IB1029 AFGE Local 1812 330 Independence Avenue S.W. Room 1169 Washington, D.C.
The full performance grade level for this position is GS-14.
If you are a male applicant who is born after 12/31/59, you are required to be registered for the Selective Service.
Qualifications
Qualifications for GS-13 Specialized Experience at the GS-13 grade level: Applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-12 which is directly related to the line of work for a Public Affairs Specialist. Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position, the following specialized experience is required:
Knowledge of principles, methods, practices and techniques of public relations communication; analytical methods; and interpersonal relations practices;
Ability to identify, pitch, and plan independently outside engagement opportunities with demonstrated measurable results;
Skill in researching, conducting, monitoring and evaluating, programs of action and communication to achieve public understanding necessary to an agency's goals and objectives;
Knowledge of strategic communications principles; coupled with ability to conceive, create and deliver persuasive, compelling communications campaigns and messages with demonstrated measurable results;
Knowledge of print, broadcast, and on line media including social media and digital communications platforms.
Qualifications for GS-14 Specialized Experience at the GS-14 grade level: Applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-13 which is directly related to the line of work for a Public Affairs Specialist. Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position, the following specialized experience is required:
Mastery knowledge of principles, methods, practices and techniques of public relations communication; analytical methods; and interpersonal relations practices;
Expert ability to identify, pitch, and plan independently outside engagement opportunities with demonstrated measurable results;
Mastery skill in researching, conducting, monitoring and evaluating, on a continuing basis programs of action and communication to achieve public understanding necessary to an agency's goals and objectives;
Comprehensive knowledge of strategic communications principles; coupled with ability to conceive, create and deliver persuasive, compelling communications campaigns and messages with demonstrated measurable results;
Expert knowledge of print, broadcast, and on line media including social media and digital communications platforms.
There is a requirement to submit a minimum of two writing samples (i.e. web article, blog post, news release, speech, communications plan) with the application package. These writing samples will not be used for qualification purposes.
Education
Education is not required for this grade level. It cannot be used for qualification purposes.
Additional information
1. If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/59 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency. For Military Selective Service Act requirement information, please visit https://www.sss.gov.
2. Your application to this vacancy announcement will only allow consideration for this announcement. We cannot electronically or manually move your application to corresponding announcements if applicable.
3. Additional vacancies not reflected in the announcement that occur after the opening date of the vacancy announcement for position(s) identical (same grade, series and title) to the original vacancy may be filled from the selection certificate during the validity of the certificate.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Once your resume or application is submitted, a review of your qualifications will be made to ensure you meet the job requirements and competencies required for this position. A Subject Matter Expert will be used to review qualifications for this vacancy announcement.
Competencies:
Attention to Detail
Communications and Media
Influencing/Negotiating
Information Management
Project Management
Possession of competencies may be addressed in a cover letter and/or resume. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the occupational questionnaire. The numeric rating you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire. If, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, your score can and will be adjusted to more accurately reflect your qualifications. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating.
A Subject Matter Expert (SME) will be used to review qualifications for this vacancy announcement.
All applicants are required to submit the following supporting document type(s):
Resume
A minimum of two writing samples (i.e. web article, blog post, news release, speech, communications plan) with the application package.
Although the required documents listed in this announcement only indicate that a resume is required, other documents is required in specific circumstances. All required documents must be submitted before the closing date of this vacancy announcement.
1. Merit promotion applicants must meet time-in-grade requirements as defined in 5 CFR 300, subpart F. Your latest SF-50 must be submitted for proof of time-in-grade.
2. If you are an eligible Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) applicant you may apply for special selection over other candidates for this position. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated at 80 or above on the rating criteria for this position. ICTAP eligibles must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for the special selection priority: a separation notice; a "Notice of Personnel Action" (SF-50) documenting separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.
3. Current and reinstatement eligible applicants must submit a Personnel Action (SF-50) indicating grade, competitive service, and career or career-conditional tenure.
4. Current status candidates must submit a copy of their latest Performance Appraisal.
5. If education is a requirement or there is an option to use education for qualification purposes, you must submit your unofficial transcripts with your application package at the time of applying or before the closing date of this vacancy announcement. If selected for the position, you will be required to submit official transcripts before your Enter on Duty date.
6. Applicants applying under Schedule A Disability must submit an appropriate letter from a physician.
7. Applicants applying under Peace Corps or VISTA eligibility must submit a letter supporting eligibility.
8. Applicants applying under Veterans Employment Opportunity Act of 1998 must submit a DD-214 stating discharge type. If you are still on active duty, you may submit a statement of service from your Personnel Command which states the date you entered active duty, the date you are separating, and the campaign medals you have received.
9. Applicants applying for consideration under an Interchange Agreement with Other Merit Systems must submit a recent SF-50 or other personnel action (e.g., Post Office, Non-appropriated fund), reflecting status as a current employee under an approved system.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you cannot complete the Application Package online, please contact the Human Resource Specialist listed in this vacancy announcement.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents and any appropriate Accepted Documents.
To begin, click Apply in the announcement; then, choose to create a new USAJOBS account or Sign-in into your existing account.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package.
You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before submitting it. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After completing the questionnaire and uploading appropriate documents, click the Submit Application to submit your application package.
It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered in the profile is accurate and all required documents are uploaded and submitted before 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/21/2023 of the announcement to receive consideration.
Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. If a document is not in legible format, applicant will not be able to view it in Application Manager which means applicant must again upload the documentation to the system by the closing date of this announcement.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account. The page will display the positions for which you've applied as well as the status of each application.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click on the plus sign (+) next to the job title to expand information about the job. Next click on Update Application to complete the application process.
Note: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described previously. Please carefully review the complete job announcement, including the Required Documents, Other Information, and How to Apply sections of the announcement.
Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail or e-mail. All resumes/applications received at the addresses listed in the Contact Information or Agency Information will be destroyed and will not be considered for this vacancy announcement.
Once the online questionnaire and application package is received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
All applicants are required to submit the following supporting document type(s):
Resume
A minimum of two writing samples (i.e. web article, blog post, news release, speech, communications plan) with the application package.
Although the required documents listed in this announcement only indicate that a resume is required, other documents is required in specific circumstances. All required documents must be submitted before the closing date of this vacancy announcement.
1. Merit promotion applicants must meet time-in-grade requirements as defined in 5 CFR 300, subpart F. Your latest SF-50 must be submitted for proof of time-in-grade.
2. If you are an eligible Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) applicant you may apply for special selection over other candidates for this position. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated at 80 or above on the rating criteria for this position. ICTAP eligibles must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for the special selection priority: a separation notice; a "Notice of Personnel Action" (SF-50) documenting separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.
3. Current and reinstatement eligible applicants must submit a Personnel Action (SF-50) indicating grade, competitive service, and career or career-conditional tenure.
4. Current status candidates must submit a copy of their latest Performance Appraisal.
5. If education is a requirement or there is an option to use education for qualification purposes, you must submit your unofficial transcripts with your application package at the time of applying or before the closing date of this vacancy announcement. If selected for the position, you will be required to submit official transcripts before your Enter on Duty date.
6. Applicants applying under Schedule A Disability must submit an appropriate letter from a physician.
7. Applicants applying under Peace Corps or VISTA eligibility must submit a letter supporting eligibility.
8. Applicants applying under Veterans Employment Opportunity Act of 1998 must submit a DD-214 stating discharge type. If you are still on active duty, you may submit a statement of service from your Personnel Command which states the date you entered active duty, the date you are separating, and the campaign medals you have received.
9. Applicants applying for consideration under an Interchange Agreement with Other Merit Systems must submit a recent SF-50 or other personnel action (e.g., Post Office, Non-appropriated fund), reflecting status as a current employee under an approved system.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you cannot complete the Application Package online, please contact the Human Resource Specialist listed in this vacancy announcement.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents and any appropriate Accepted Documents.
To begin, click Apply in the announcement; then, choose to create a new USAJOBS account or Sign-in into your existing account.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package.
You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before submitting it. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After completing the questionnaire and uploading appropriate documents, click the Submit Application to submit your application package.
It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered in the profile is accurate and all required documents are uploaded and submitted before 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/21/2023 of the announcement to receive consideration.
Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. If a document is not in legible format, applicant will not be able to view it in Application Manager which means applicant must again upload the documentation to the system by the closing date of this announcement.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account. The page will display the positions for which you've applied as well as the status of each application.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click on the plus sign (+) next to the job title to expand information about the job. Next click on Update Application to complete the application process.
Note: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described previously. Please carefully review the complete job announcement, including the Required Documents, Other Information, and How to Apply sections of the announcement.
Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail or e-mail. All resumes/applications received at the addresses listed in the Contact Information or Agency Information will be destroyed and will not be considered for this vacancy announcement.
Once the online questionnaire and application package is received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
